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Data Sheet

Cisco SS7 Port Adapter for the

Cisco 7500 Versatile Interface Processor and

7200 VXR Routers Provide High-Density SS7 Aggregation

Overview

Today's mobile operators are experiencing increasing data traffic in Signaling System 7 (SS7) networks that are designed to carry signaling traffic for call setup and teardown. This data traffic increase is due to network capacity demand from mobile number portability, audience interaction services (televoting via Short Message Service [SMS]), downloading ringtones to mobile handsets, and more activities by subscribers.

The Cisco IP Transfer Point (ITP) solution allows mobile operators to use a more manageable and cost-efficient IP network as transport for SS7 traffic. The Cisco ITP solution will complement or eventually replace existing SS7 networks built of signaling transfer points (STPs).

The Cisco SS7 Port Adapter (product part number PA-MCX-8TE1-M) is a fundamental part of the Cisco ITP solution, providing high-density, high-throughput connectivity to traditional SS7 devices. This port adapter is a specialized T1/E1 hardware device that can only be used for SS7 Message Transfer Part Layer 2 (MTP2) connectivity. It is only supported in the rsp-itpv-mz Cisco IOS® Software Release 12.2 MB images. Table 1 highlights the general applicability of the Cisco SS7 Port Adapter.

Physical connector: The two-wire interface is connected to the RX tip and ring inputs on the RJ-48 connector. Framing must be DS1 D4 super frame (SF) BITS source when operating in T1 mode, or No-CRC4 BITS source in E1 mode. BITS input via Composite Clock is not supported. Multiple BITS input sources may be received on the port adapter, and each assigned a priority for use.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and China SS7 variant support

Minimum Cisco IOS Software release support

Release 12.2(4)MB3 for Versatile Interface Processor

Release 12.2(4)MB9 for Cisco 7200 VXR

Product Description

The Cisco SS7 Port Adapter is a singlewide port adapter designed to provide a full 8-port SS7 solution for the Cisco 7500 Versatile Interface Processor (VIP) and the Cisco 7204 VXR and 7206 VXR routers. The port adapter supports a maximum of 126 signaling links that can be distributed in any combination over the available eight physical T1/E1 ports.

The MTP2 of the SS7 protocol requires constant repetition Fill-In Signaling Units (FISUs) while no data is being transmitted. The port adapter complements the software implementation of MTP2 by repeating and filtering identical FISUs in hardware, freeing CPU resources and enhancing performance and throughput.

The RJ-48c ports are software configurable to support T1 or E1 (120-ohm) interfaces. A simple cable adapter for conversion to a 75-ohm coaxial cable interface is available. In T1 mode, each port can support up to 24 SS7 links for an aggregate data rate of 1.536 Mbps per port. In E1 mode, each port can support up to 31 SS7 links per port for an aggregate data rate of 1.984 Mbps per port.

Product Applications

The Cisco SS7 Port Adapter is ideal for telecommunications operators that want to cost-effectively aggregate traditional SS7 devices using Cisco ITPs. Table 2 highlights important features and benefits of the Cisco SS7 Port Adapter.

Table 2 Features and Benefits

Feature

Benefit

High-density SS7 connectivity

Cost-effective per port for SS7 deployment

8 independent T1 or E1 ports

Flexible worldwide deployment with high port density

Integrated CSU/DSU

Eliminates the need for any external CSUs/DSUs or multiplexers

RJ-48c physical connectors

Optional E1 75-ohm configuration via the 120-75 cable adapter

Flexible timing options

BITS, line, or internal clock available. Capable of receiving redundant input sources and distributing the active timing source to all SS7 ports on the port adapter.